Mike Ford expects Dan Bowden to star at Bath

Omnisports 01:09 - 28 December 2015

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Rugby Union: Mike Ford expects playmaker Dan Bowden to be a "big hit" at Bath as the New Zealander prepares to make the move from Blues.

Bath head coach Mike Ford is backing new signing Dan Bowden to prove a shrewd acquisition for the Premiership club.

Utility back Bowden will move to The Rec from Super Rugby side Blues next month, having previously featured in England for London Irish and Leicester Tigers.

Ford expects the 29-year-old New Zealander to make a positive impact for a Bath side aiming to climb the Premiership table and advance to the knockout stages of the European Rugby Champions Cup.

"Dan's versatility, goal kicking and experiences both in Super Rugby and the Aviva Premiership make him a very good fit for us," Ford said.

"I've seen him play many times before and know his personality, so I'm confident he'll be a big hit at the club."

Former New Zealand Under-21 international Bowden said: "I know what a tough, entertaining competition the Aviva Premiership is, so I can't wait to get back to England and get started with Bath.

"There will be some familiar faces there as well, which is always good - guys like George Ford, who I played with at Tigers, and Toby Booth and Neal Hatley, who I worked with at Irish."